Knee replacement operation and dogs

[mahina]

Hi folks, I am planning my knee replacements and have a dog who shows his affection by rubbing up against my legs like a cat (but harder) and jumping in my lap. I am trying to figure out how to avoid the obvious problems that this would create post op.

He’s a good boy, but he’s very determined, strong willed, and not persuadable. (In Hawaii we would call that pa'akī'kī, hard head.)

Do you remember how long it took for your sutures to heal? Has anybody else figured out a solution other than boarding him?

Any other lessons learned would be most welcome too.

Mahalo.

[Walleye]

1. It took about two weeks for the sutures to heal

This was about 10 years ago and they had about 25 staples in each one. But everything went OK, no infection, and I have cats. Good luck to you with yours I am glad I did it. I had to walk downstairs sideways by the time I got it done. I’ve never really had much trouble since

[mahina]

4. Thanks! Sounds like you did them both. Are you glad you did?

Thanks heaps and heaps

[Walleye]

5. Yes, did them both six weeks apart

I was lucky I had disability insurance at work so I got paid the whole rehabilitation. And I am glad I did it

[AllaN01Bear]

2. strong request!! finish your therapy excersises . a friend of mine didnt and payed for it w hurting knees.

blamed the dr for failure. hard head. lol

[mahina]

3. 100%

Thank you. I believe it. I had a friend who did the same.

[Walleye]

6. Oh yes, I was getting paid disability insurance so I treated it like part of the job

Showed up three days a week. It was quite painful but it got better as it went along

[Warpy]

7. while you'll be out of bed and standing up hours after surgery

it will take about 6 weeks to heal, with some pain continuing after that. Physical therapy people will give you exercises to do. Do them. You won't want to, but they shorten recovery time. Staples come out about 10 days post op, that's what most surgeons are using these days.

The actual incision won't be your biggest problem, you'll be wearing a knee brace post op and that will protect it. You will also be using a walker at first, then a cane. Both of those can be used to discourage the dog, keeping something between him and your leg. The danger isn't that he'll hurt your incision, the danger is that he'll knock you over and that would be bad.

[a kennedy]

8. I'm having my right knee replaced January 10, 2024........no pets, but thanks

for all your advice.

[a kennedy]

9. Just hoping your surgery, and recovery are fast and worry free.

Good luck.

[mahina]

10. You too!